Mid Hudson News reports that Central Hudson will pay $1.5 million for 32 alleged violations of Central Hudson’s emergency response plan in response to a 2020 storm that cut off power to thousands in the Hudson Valley. The violations include faulty storm classifications, inadequate storm staffing, inadequate communications staffing personnel, and the failure to comply with metrics related to contacts with life support equipment customers. The Central Hudson settlement is part of an $86.2 million agreement by four New York utilities: Con Edison, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and Frontier Communications of New York, Inc. “The size of these settlements should make it abundantly clear that New York utilities are obligated to prepare for severe weather and to develop robust emergency response programs,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “If they fail to adequately do the job that’s required of them, we will hold them accountable and we will force them to improve the way they do business — and their shareholders will pay the price.” Previously, New York reached a $72 million settlement with broadband provider Altice and a $1.5 million settlement with New York State Electric & Gas Corp. over their response to the same storm. Read more about this story at Mid Hudson News.